Looking for an easy to make, delicious homemade dog treat that requires no baking? Look no further! Made with only 3 ingredients, these Carob Chip and Peanut Butter dog treats come together with limited ingredients and equipment required. Better yet, your dog will love them!
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Peanut butter cups are a fan favourite, and our dogs feel the same way! The delicious combination of peanut butter and chocolate is classic, but unfortunately not something our dogs can indulge in due to the chocolate. Luckily, there is an easy, no bake alternative that comes together quickly and is just as delicious.
Understanding the Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about the importance of using safe and healthy ingredients for our furry friends. Our homemade peanut butter cups are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that are safe for dogs. We use natural peanut butter (free from xylitol), coconut oil, and carob chips (unsweetened, if possible).
Peanut butter is a dog favourite, but is calorie dense. It’s important that peanut butter be given in moderation. If possible, choose the size of your mold based on the size of your dog. Our dogs are medium-large, and the mold we chose was about an inch wide, allowing for a large pea sized portion of peanut butter in the middle of the treat.
If your dog (or someone in your household) is allergic to peanut butter, you could substitute with a safe alternative such as almond butter, sunflower seed butter or coconut butter. If you have any concerns with ingredients or portioning please be sure to consult your veterinarian.
Peanut Butter Cup Dog Treats: Ingredients
Carob chips – Carob chips are a dog-safe alternative to chocolate. Carob is derived from the pods of a carob tree. It has a naturally sweet flavour and is often used as a substitute for chocolate due to its similar taste and texture. Carob is naturally caffeine-free and contain little to no theobromine, making them safe for dogs to consume in moderation. When possible, opt for a sugar-free option.
Coconut oil – Coconut oil has many health benefits for dogs. The amount in this recipe is small, but it is included in order to help smooth out the carob chips. In general, coconut oil is presumed to help with dog’s digestive health, help improve skin and coat and also provide immune support
Peanut butter – It is imperative that you chose a peanut butter that is xylitol free. Small amounts of xylitol can be fatal for dogs. If possible, opt for a natural peanut butter, or even a peanut butter alternative such as almond butter or coconut butter
Choosing a Mold
When choosing a mold, make sure you take your dog’s size into consideration. For a larger dog, you may want to choose a larger mold. We have medium-large dogs and used this paw-shaped mold. Likewise, if you have a smaller dog, you may want to opt for something a little smaller like these heart shaped molds. Keep in mind when using a smaller mold, you will be able to add less filling. It may also be more difficult to work with.
Consider the depth of the mold as well. We recommend the mold be at least half an inch (13mm) deep.
Peanut Butter Cup Dog Treats: Steps
Make sure to put your silicone mold on something sturdy (a cutting board, cookie sheet, container lid, even a piece of cardboard) before starting. You will be moving the mold in and out of the fridge, and silicone molds tend to be flimsy. Adding something underneath will make it easier to transport.
We start by mixing the carob chips with coconut oil and melting it. Once melted and smooth, spoon a small amount into each mold cavity and move it up the sides of the mold. You’re looking for a thin but solid coating around the bottom and sides of the mold. It can be easier to move the melted carob up the sides of the mold once it has cooled a little.
The next step is to set the carob. Move it to the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes. Once the carob has set, take it out of the fridge and add a small dollop of peanut butter to the center of each mold cavity. Make sure you leave clearance at the sides and top to add the remaining carob and seal the treat!
If needed, melt the leftover carob a bit more in the microwave, then spoon it over the peanut butter, ensuring that it the top and sides of the treat are covered. Return the mold to the fridge for another 20-30 minutes until set. Once the carob is fully set, remove it from the molds.
These treats will keep on the counter for a few days (unless it is very warm), or will keep in the fridge in an air tight container.
Serving Suggestions and Tips
When serving our homemade peanut butter cups to your dog, it’s important to keep portion sizes in mind. Depending on the size of your dog, one or two peanut butter cups per day is typically sufficient as an occasional treat. You can also use these homemade treats as rewards during training sessions or as a special surprise on birthdays or holidays.
Dog-Safe Peanut Butter Cups
Description
Made with natural peanut butter, coconut oil, and carob chips, these decadent cups are irresistibly tasty. Treat your dog to a delightful snack they’ll love, without any worries about harmful ingredients.
Ingredients
Steps
- Add carob chips and coconut oil to a microwave safe container
- Microwave at 30 second intervals, stirring well in between, until carob chips are melted (usually about 90 seconds)
- Place a silicone mold on a lid, baking sheet or cutting board for stability
- Spoon a small amount of melted carob into the bottom of each mold and spread it up the sides
- Place molds in the refrigerator to cool and set for 20-30 minutes
- Removed molds from fridge, and place a small amount (about large pea size, depending on the size of your mold cavity) in the middle of the mold, ensuring you leave room at the sides and the top
- If necessary, re-melt the remaining carob
- Spoon the melted carob over the peanut butter to cover the sides and the top
- Return molds to the fridge for another 20-30 minutes
- Remove treats from molds, and enjoy!
Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Tips
- If you microwave the carob too long, if may start to get hard. Add a bit more coconut oil if needed, and stir well before microwaving again
- Make sure the mold you choose is appropriate for the size of your dog, as these treats are difficult to split later on
- Choose a mold that is deep enough to layer with carob, peanut butter then carob again. A shallow mold will leave very little room for peanut butter!
- If you don’t have a microwave, you can use a double boiler on the stovetop to melt the carob and coconut oil
Conclusion
Thank you for joining us in the kitchen today as we whipped up a batch of homemade peanut butter cups for our canine companions. We hope you’ll give this recipe a try and see just how much your furry friend enjoys these tasty treats. Remember, providing your dog with homemade, dog-friendly treats is not only a delicious way to show them love but also a great way to ensure they’re getting the nutrition they need to thrive.
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